ICRC Affirms Strong Commitment to Protect and Assist Gaza’s People: A Reassurance to IRCS

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for international action. The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, has expressed the organization’s steadfast commitment to supporting civilians affected by this dire situation. In a recent letter addressed to the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), Pirhossein Kolivand, Spoljaric emphasized the need for immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza, highlighting the grave circumstances faced by its residents.

In her letter, Spoljaric acknowledged Kolivand’s previous communications, which urged the ICRC to take decisive steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by starvation and violence. She wrote:

“Thank you for your letters, dated 22 and 28 July, regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. After 21 months of hostilities, which began after the events of 7 October 2023, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank. Since the start of the crisis, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has suffered the devastating loss of 31 Palestine Red Crescent Society colleagues, who died while courageously responding to humanitarian needs, and six International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff members.”

This statement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence in Gaza, where safety remains elusive. Despite the challenging security environment, local volunteers and staff have persisted in their efforts to deliver essential relief to those in need.

Spoljaric stressed the ICRC’s commitment to protecting and assisting the people of Gaza, stating:

“We, as the ICRC, building on our strong mandate and long-standing presence, remain fully committed to protecting and assisting the people of Gaza. The ICRC continues to remind parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law through our bilateral and confidential dialogue. We continue to urgently appeal for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and journalists.”

She also mentioned her tireless efforts on the humanitarian diplomatic front to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law, enhance civilian protection, and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Global Initiative aimed at galvanizing political commitment to international humanitarian law is a vital part of these initiatives, emphasizing that states are responsible for compliance with these laws.

As part of the ongoing efforts, Spoljaric extended an invitation for a comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting that the ICRC regional director for the Near and Middle East would provide support alongside the ICRC delegation in Iran.

IRCS Calls for Immediate Action

In his letters dated July 22 and 28, Kolivand urged the ICRC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other Red Crescent societies to mobilize their resources to enhance humanitarian diplomacy with relevant institutions. This collaboration aims to facilitate humanitarian aid to the region effectively.

Highlighting alarming reports from the World Food Program (WFP) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Kolivand noted:

• Approximately a quarter of Gaza’s population is facing famine.
• Thousands of women and children have succumbed to malnutrition.
• Reports indicate that military forces have targeted civilians waiting in food lines.

Kolivand’s letter characterized Israeli actions as a blatant example of war crimes and a direct violation of humanitarian law principles. He argued that such conduct could be classified as genocide under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the 1948 Convention.

In addressing his counterparts in various Red Crescent societies, Kolivand’s letter titled “Urgent Call to Action: Advocate for Immediate Governmental Intervention to Address the Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza” emphasized the necessity for immediate advocacy on behalf of the affected population in Gaza. He stated:

“On behalf of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), I am writing to draw your urgent attention to the devastating humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. According to recent reports and statements from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), WHO, UNRWA, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the situation on the ground is dire and demands immediate and coordinated humanitarian intervention. The people of Gaza are enduring unimaginable suffering: widespread malnutrition, starvation, and a severe lack of access to food and clean water have left countless children and civilians in critical condition.”

The ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza is a pressing issue that requires immediate international attention and action. The collaborative efforts of various humanitarian organizations are crucial in ensuring that aid reaches those in desperate need. As the situation evolves, it is imperative for global leaders and organizations to prioritize humanitarian assistance and uphold their commitment to international humanitarian law.